Pete Ballantoni, left, of Danbury, Conn., leads the group of trumpeters during the Danbury Community Orchestra rehearsal at the Danbury Music Centre in Danbury, Conn. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013.
Photo: Tyler Sizemore

Even people who've never had an opportunity to play an instrument are welcome to join. There's no age limit for any of the Danbury Music Centre's organizations. Lebetkin has had members from 7 to 70.

There are no auditions, and the only requirement is to love music. Rehearsals are Thursday nights at the Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St., where executive director Nancy Sudik is happy to share her enthusiasm.

By carefully listening and keeping the accent on the positive with an upbeat attitude, Smith and the orchestra have achieved remarkable results. They have played a movement or two from just about every Beethoven symphony in their nine years together.

Smith has implemented a mentoring program with adults playing alongside younger musicians. At a recent orchestra rehearsal, cellist Laura Flachbart said she was impressed with the younger musicians' high level of talent and how they are able to play with no fear.

Bass player Walter Sudik said he was proud of how well teenager Sofia Chiarandini is progressing. Chiarandini said she loves playing with people of all ages.

During the rehearsal the orchestra was preparing for its concert this weekend, working on the last two movements of Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 3 ("The Rhenish").

Smith was attentive to pickups, dynamics, subdividing passages with triplets and polishing running 16th notes. Schumann's symphony provides some challenges for the brass, with the horns carrying the tune and adding to the romantic fanfare.

Like most Danbury Music Centre events, admission is free, but donations will be welcome.

The combined Danbury Community Orchestra and Danbury Preparatory String Orchestra will perform "The Grand March" from "Aida." Each group will also perform its own program. The string group's includes a medley of Beatles tunes.

Danbury Community Orchestra conducts auditions and is always looking for new members. This year many string players will be leaving to attend college.